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Glossary

Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy)

A federal program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for prescription drug coverage under Medicare.

Extra Help, officially called the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program, reduces what you pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance. It covers premiums, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.

You may qualify if you have Medicare and your monthly income and resources fall below certain limits. [VERIFY: current income and resource limits for Extra Help]. People who qualify for a Medicare Savings Program automatically qualify for Extra Help.

Applying is free, and only the Social Security Administration decides if you qualify. You can apply through Social Security online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a local Social Security office. If you already get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or certain other benefits, you may be signed up automatically.

Programs where this matters

MSPCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicare Savings Programs help people with Medicare who have limited income and resources pay Medicare costs such as premiums.MedicareCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicare is federal health insurance for older adults and some younger people with disabilities.SSISocial Security AdministrationSSI pays monthly cash to people with limited income and resources who are older, blind or have a disability.